The cartilage is smooth cushioning tissue at the end of your bones and joints. When it wears away or is damaged, osteoarthritis (OA) results. More than 30 million adults experience flare-ups of this painful condition and many seek arthritis treatment to reduce discomfort. If you have arthritis, the information below might help you obtain joint pain relief.
What You Should Know About Arthritis Flare-Ups
Symptoms
Arthritis flare-ups include increased pain and swelling in your affected joints and the surrounding areas. You may also have difficulty moving the joint and experience stiffness and limited range of motion. The joint is often tender to touch. Moving can be very painful and he may feel a grinding sensation with motion. Women are more likely than men to experience symptoms, and the risk increases with age and joint overuse.
Why They Occur
Overuse, high-impact activities or trauma can aggravate your joints and lead to increased arthritic pain. Other triggers including cold weather, weather changes, gaining weight, repetitive joint movements, infections, and increasing stress levels can also cause a flare-up of pain and symptoms.
Treatment Methods
When you experience flare-up symptoms that last more than a few days or cause severe pain and decreased mobility, arthritis treatment can provide relief. Your orthopedic doctor will order X-rays to determine the extent of the joint damage. This information helps the doctor develop the best treatment plan for your condition.
Treatment may include acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen. Physical therapy may be prescribed. Injections including viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid may be used in the knee. Weight loss and regular exercise can help decrease your pain. If these nonsurgical treatments do not relieve symptoms, surgery may be considered.
If you experience painful arthritic flare-ups, seek help from Advanced Orthopaedic Associates in Wayne, NJ. For over 20 years, this team of experienced orthopedic doctors has provided joint pain relief from arthritis and shoulder, foot and knee pain for patients throughout Bergen, Passaic, and Morris Counties. These skilled and understanding doctors will develop a specialized arthritis treatment program to ease your symptoms. Call (973) 839-5700 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
